BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who remains critically ill at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, is being prepared for transfer to London for advanced treatment. Senior party sources have confirmed that she will be flown by an air ambulance dispatched from Qatar once medical approval and all logistical preparations are complete.
Zubaida Rahman, physician and wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, is expected to depart London for Dhaka. Upon her arrival, she will review Khaleda Zia’s medical condition and, provided the situation is favourable, will travel with her to London.
Qatar has announced its readiness to provide an air ambulance should the need arise. Once the medical team grants its consent, the aircraft will depart for Dhaka, with sources suggesting that this may occur as early as Friday afternoon (5 December). Preparations are reportedly under way for a group of 14 individuals, including personal doctors, to accompany Khaleda Zia.
According to BNP officials, her physical condition has shown no significant change over the past 24 hours. Doctors are describing her state as “stable”. Her treatment is being administered by a coordinated medical board comprising local and foreign specialists, including Dr Richard Beale from the United Kingdom. Two additional specialist teams from the United Kingdom and China were incorporated into the board on Wednesday.
Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on 23 November with severe infections in her lungs and heart. Her health deteriorated further due to kidney complications, cardiac problems and pneumonia. Party sources report that she was placed on ventilatory support on 1 December.
Following her designation as a “Very Very Important Person” (VVIP), SSF and PGR personnel have been deployed across the hospital vicinity to enhance security. The Chief Adviser’s Office has stated that, as part of the air transport preparations, army and air force helicopters will conduct test landings and take-offs at an open field near the hospital between 12pm and 4pm on Thursday. The office has urged the public not to circulate misleading or confusing information regarding these operations.
Khaleda Zia has been suffering for many years from a range of chronic illnesses, including arthritis, diabetes, kidney disorders and lung-related complications. After being released in the aftermath of the mass uprising on 5 August last year, she travelled to London in January for advanced medical treatment and returned to Bangladesh in May after a stay of 117 days. She also underwent routine medical examinations at the hospital following her return.
Glive24/SS